by Sally Philips

This year, the Chinese New Year falls on February 7, and Chinese astrologers have been busy analyzing the heavenly forces to predict what’s in store for each Chinese sign in the coming Year of the Earth Rat. Their fresh perspectives make this a great time to take a second look at the New Year’s resolutions you wrote for 2008. Here are some tips based on predictions for your Chinese sign that you can use to fine-tune those promises you made to yourself on January 1, or write some brand new ones.

The Rat
This is not a year you want to sit on the sidelines and wait for things to happen. Whatever your dream, resolve to put your plan into action and start making it happen. Since you tend to be easily distracted, establish firm objectives and deadlines and create a visible progress chart to help you stay on track.

The Ox
You could have a promotion in store at your job so you want to continue to work hard, but this is also a year when you need to learn how to balance work with fun. Resolve to take time to relax and enjoy your friends and family more often. The stress you avoid and the energy you gain will feed your success.

The Tiger
You tend to be impulsive, which works in your favor much of the time …  but right now, you need to put on the brakes. Start this year with careful planning that will build a strong foundation for the rest of the year. Remain flexible but stay focused on your purpose. There will be plenty of time for snap decisions later on.

The Rabbit
You continue to be one of the luckiest signs in the Chinese zodiac, but that doesn’t mean you should go on a gambling spree. In fact, you need to avoid risk taking and be more careful with your money this year. Assess your financial situation and resolve to stick to a few conservative goals.

The Dragon
It’s great to be assertive, which comes naturally to you, but try softening your approach to avoid seeming condescending -- especially at work. It’s also a good year for you to invest. Start getting your financial ducks in a row so you can make strategic decisions when opportunity knocks.

The Snake
Commit to being extra vigilant with your finances this year. You can still use your well-developed intuition to make decisions … just make sure they’re also well-researched. In your personal life, work on becoming a better loser (it happens to the best of us). And if your flirtatiousness is upsetting your partner, knock it off.

About the Author
Sally Philips is a professional writer who has been using Astrology, Tarot, I-Ching and feng shui to enrich the lives of friends, family and clients for over two decades. An Aquarius with Cancer rising living in Portland, Oregon, her life is characterized by both wild escapades and fireside coziness.